New Invasive Mosquito Species Convey Dengue Fever Threat to Europe
- Posted on June 12, 2024
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- By Arijit Dutta
- 205 Views
Invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes carrying dengue fever and other diseases are spreading across Europe due to climate change, with 130 local cases in 2023.
An invasive species that started in Asian called the Asian tiger mosquito has invaded 13 countries in European Union and health experts have attributed the increasing incident of dengue fever in the continent to the presence of the mosquito.
The Asian tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, is currently present in countries like France, Spain, Greece, Germany, and Italy as reported by the ECDC or European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. It can transmit and spread diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, the Zika virus and other tropical diseases which were once unknown in Europe.
Climate change is providing more suitable conditions for the tiger mosquito to expand in the southern part of Europe and move further north, the ECDC pointed out. In Paris, they tried to track and capture the mosquitoes before the Olympic Games in 2024.
‘Europe is already witnessing how climate change is providing favourable conditions for the invasive mosquitos to expand into new territories and transmit diseases such as dengue,’ said EcDC director, Andrea Ammon.
Although most European dengue cases occurred in travelers who got bitten while abroad, the number of indigenous cases is increasing gradually, with 130 cases in 2023. There were eight clinical distinct multiple dengue cases reported in France in the one year period.
The ECDC has recommended people in Europe to drain sources of standing water, use window screens, and wear repellent to prevent oneself from contracting mosquito borne diseases as virus-carrying species extend their reach. Cross border travels and business are also adding to the woes of the continent.
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Ammon added: “More travelers from the countries affected by the dengue virus will bring the disease to Australia with a higher likelihood of local transmission. ”